From whom do you expect this card or thoughtful gift from? A spouse/significant other, family member, co-workers or neighbors?

Even though others have stated that is wrong to expect from others, it is reasonable to want and hope that a spouse or s.o. would send the card or gift for a birthday or other holiday. All others not so much.

I don't like the idea of some marketing guy telling me I have to buy a card or gift. If I give one it's because I feel like giving one and not because it's some holiday.

However, birthdays are special.

I only place expectations on myself, since I'm the only one that I can control.

That's what I've been saying, hopefully it's clearer now that you've said it,too.

It isn't wrong, but really why "expect" anything.
Is it not better beins surprised?

aw did the wonderful man in your profile not live up to your expectations,bummer

I say we tar and feather him....

It seems to me that people are very different about special occasions. You could even tell that with the different responses in here, for sure.
I think that if gift giving is important to you, and makes you feel special and loved, you need to express that as a need you have in the relationship. Let him know this makes you feel special and valued, etc. so that he realizes this. Men have trouble reading minds, lol.

It's not wrong to want or expect what makes you happy... Only you can decide if it's wrong that a person doesn't do that b/c it's important to you...

I have a friend that doesn't celebrate "hallmark" days nor expect anything but when sending something and not getting a thank you or hey that was nice, that wasn't cool by her...

I expect/want what what makes me happy, if a person I'm dating can't do those things then they are probably not the person for me..

With expectations usually comes disappointment.

I would say if we had discussed that was a part of our relationship then maybe the expectation would be worthwhile but to expect out of the blue that they can read my mind, no.

Not at all!!

I expect it!!

Have always gotten it!

Right well said. Cheers.

It would seem that if you "expect" recognition then it is really likely to only be delievered out of duty or obligation or even submission rather than true attention, affection, and or respect. That said I do think most healthy relationships are fairly reciprocal. Because some actions are traditional customary habits it does sem disrespevtful to ignore them. Some people express their feelings in different ways. Sometimes real love is made visable by day to day actions.

A story does come to mind.

And elderly lady was asked by her great grand daughter how she knew her husband loved her. He never showed her affection publicly, Never bought her candy or flowers. Was not there at the birth of her children. Never said thank you for regular hot meals. A long list of other things that were considered "sweet". The old woman looked at the younger and said no he did not do those things. But he had asked her parents for her hand secureing their respect, approval, help, and eventually love. He never shamed her with demands of premarital sex, living on welfare, or being fouled by drink or smoke. He married her legal before God and community not the society pages. Every day of his work life he went to work on at least one job, sometimes two, so yes he was not there at the finest baby hospital available or the schools that the children attended ever day but he new them as not only beloved children but as friends their entire lives. That they wanted for nothing and knew God and friends. No he did not buy her gifts but gave her his paycheck in full for anything she believed they could afford. As far as thanking her for doing her job she said he had given her the greatest gift giving her his good name, their children, a home, and a full pantry and it was a privelge to serve him for these generous and dependable resources. Last but not least she opened a chest filled with letters; one for every day they were seperated by the war, when he sent her home to visit distant relatives, and every day he went anywhere with the children that she did not go. She said no Grand Dad was not really showey but he was loyal, vigilent, and always thought of her first.

well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,







From WHO????????????????????????



I mean Mr.Obama has NEVER sent ME any of these????



His wife has,,,but HE NEVER HAS!!!!!!!!

Signicant other.

And you are making this assumption on the question asked? I'm concerned about a friend and her signicant other.

I felt this would be a very revealing question to see the differences of opinions.

Yes! As an adult you should NEVER expect any thing from any one.